Seawind Catamarans will showcase the award-winning Seawind 1170 at the Auckland Boat Show from 5 to 8 March. Fresh from taking out Multihull of the Year at the British Yachting Awards, and newly built at Seawind's advanced manufacturing facility in Turkey, the 1170 signals the start of a new generation of performance cruising catamarans for Kiwi sailors.
The show appearance is backed by a strategic partnership between Multihull Central and Icon Azzure, combining decades of multihull expertise with a grounded understanding of New Zealand's coastal and offshore sailing conditions.
*A catamaran built for the way Kiwis sail*
The Seawind 1170 is designed for owners who value both offshore capability and sailing performance. Raked bows, flat decks, and a square-top mainsail produce a lively, responsive ride, while a self-tacking jib, furling screecher, and spinnaker give it the range to handle everything from light airs to open-ocean passages. Twin 29hp Yanmar engines cover the windless moments. The result is a boat that pairs genuine bluewater pedigree with the cruising comfort that makes extended passages worth doing.
The first New Zealand-bound 1170 is currently crossing the Tasman from Sydney, a fitting introduction for a model with a strong bluewater reputation. After its debut at the show, the new owners plan to sail directly into the Island Cruising Rally to Fiji, which is as convincing a demonstration of offshore confidence as any sea trial.
Seawind's signature indoor-outdoor saloon connects directly to the cockpit, creating a sheltered, social space well suited to New Zealand's changeable coastal weather. The layout has been refined through real-world cruising miles, drawing on input from experienced sailors rather than relying solely on computer modelling.
*A partnership anchored in experience*
Multihull Central is leading Seawind's renewed New Zealand representation, bringing one of the Southern Hemisphere's most established multihull networks back to local buyers.
"New Zealand is a natural home for Seawind," says Brent Vaughan of Multihull Central. "Kiwi sailors demand performance, safety, and durability. The Seawind 1170 delivers all three in a proven, award-winning package."
Vaughan also highlights how Seawind's global production footprint creates practical delivery options for owners.
"Whether you take delivery in the Mediterranean or prefer Thailand on one of Seawind's other production models, there are very competitive options available for the liveaboard cruiser."
Icon Azzure handles local representation, buyer onboarding, and after-sales support, giving owners a consistent experience from first enquiry through to long-term cruising.
"Partnering with Multihull Central allows us to bring some of the world's most exciting multihulls directly to New Zealand buyers," says Steve Thomas of Icon Azzure. "The Seawind 1170 is an exceptional showcase of what the brand represents. Its debut at this year's boat show is a milestone we're proud to share."
The Seawind 1170 will be available for on-water viewings throughout the Auckland Boat Show. Prospective owners can step aboard, explore the layout, and judge for themselves why the model has earned recognition well beyond its home market. With its offshore capability, modern design, and a refreshed commitment to the New Zealand market, the 1170 makes a compelling case for the next chapter of performance cruising catamarans.
